“Oklahoma has lots of issues, and we don’t have enough money for mental health, and nobody likes to see things cut,” said Verna Fost, CEO of Red Rock Behavioral Health Services. “This will make sure that the most vulnerable population of adults and children are receiving rehab.”

The cuts would mean patients such as 10-year-old Jermayne Purnell would lose guidance services that have helped him overcome self-esteem and self-confidence issues over the last six years.

With no help from his parents, Jermayne’s aunt, Desiree Purnell, said the mentoring program has saved him. She said she is convinced the money should come from somewhere else.

“There are funds out there that can support the program because if it doesn’t start with our children, the cycle has to be broken at some point.” She said.

However, many health experts believe this is the best way.

“Well, a lot of people are upset about it, and again, it’s a tough time for everybody,” Fost said. “But I think if we have to find $24 million in the budget, this is the most responsible way to do it.”

A final decision on the cuts is set for June 26. If passed, changes could go into effect as early as July 1.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS CUT. IT WAS ALL SUPPOSED TO HELP MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS HERE IN OKLAHOMA CITY. KOCO'S BREE STEFFEN JOINS US LIVE. BREE - ? It was a very emotional day - hundreds of people jammed into one room to speak out against the millions of dollars' worth of cuts to mental health services around the state. Many parents say the risk of getting rid of these services is just too great. Hundreds filled to voice their concerns about a cut in mental health services. A major budget crisis left the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services with a $20 million dollar hole to fill next year. Now the department is forced to chop millions of dollars' worth of services - that would affect thousands of adults and children. Verna Fost, CEO Red Rock Behavioral Health Services - Clip 72 22:16 "Oklahoma has lots of issues and we don't have enough money for mental health, and nobody likes to see things cut." BUTT TO Clip 72 23:48 "This will make sure that the most vulnerable population of adults and children are receiving rehab." The cuts would mean patients like 10-year-old Jermayne would lose guidance services - that have helped him overcome self-esteem and self-confidence issues over the last six years. With no help from his parents, Jermayne's aunt says the mentoring program has saved. she's convinced the money should come from somewhere else. Clip 36 12:17 "There are funds out there that can support the program because if it doesn't start with our children, then we'resorrythey cycle has to be broken at some point." But many health experts believe this IS the best way. Clip 72 25:21 "Well, a lot of people are upset about it and again it's a tough time for everybody but I think if we have to find $24 million in the budget, this is the most responsible way to do it." A final decision on the cuts is set for June 26. If passed, changes could go into effect as early as July 1. Bree Steffen, KOCO 5 News. OPENING-MAPVO